10+ Best Puzzle Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to keep your tween engaged and challenged? Look no further than puzzle books for 12-year-olds! These books are not only fun but also sharpen problem-solving skills and boost brain power. Whether your child loves cracking codes, solving riddles, or navigating through mazes, there's something in this list that will capture their interest. Keep reading to discover our top picks for puzzle books that are sure to entertain and educate your 12-year-old!

Fun Puzzle Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Maze of Games by Mike Selinker, illustrated by Pete Venters
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This interactive puzzle book presents a series of challenging riddles and puzzles woven into a fantastical story about two children trapped in a labyrinth by a devious Gatekeeper.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, wrapped in an engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Young puzzle enthusiasts and lovers of interactive stories.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mind-bending puzzles with a thrilling adventure, making it a captivating read that improves problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy mysteries and teamwork-based challenges.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Kyle gets to stay overnight in the new town library, created by the world's most famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello. But when morning comes, the doors remain locked, and Kyle must team up with fellow winners to solve puzzles and escape.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and fast-paced read that promotes teamwork and creativity through puzzle-solving.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love games and libraries, and those who enjoy a good challenge.

• The 10,000-Year Puzzle Book by Clive Gifford
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, History, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book offers a journey through history via the puzzles that have entertained and confounded people over the last 10,000 years, from ancient civilizations to modern-day brain teasers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique way to learn about history and different cultures through the universal language of puzzles.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds interested in history and challenging their logical thinking skills.

• Journal 29: Interactive Book Game by Dimitris Chassapakis
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, Interactive, Mystery
  • Synopsis: A mysterious journal is found containing 63 puzzles that readers must solve to unlock secrets and discover the story within.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of reading and game-playing, enhancing engagement and cognitive skills.
  • Perfect for: Tech-savvy tweens who enjoy escape rooms and deciphering codes.

Educational Puzzle Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Perplexors: Level C by MindWare
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book contains a series of logic puzzles that challenge children to think critically and deductively by reading background stories and identifying relevant clues.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical reasoning, critical thinking, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It systematically develops problem-solving skills through progressively challenging puzzles.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a mental challenge and enjoy solving mysteries through logic.

• Brain Games for Clever Kids by Gareth Moore
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, Activity Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a variety of brain-busting activities, including logic puzzles, coding problems, and pattern puzzles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Pattern recognition, coding basics, logical thinking, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun way to engage in mental exercises that enhance cognitive abilities and foster a love for learning.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters who thrive on solving different types of puzzles and learning new skills.

• The Kids' Book of Sudoku 1 by Alastair Chisholm
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, Math, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: Tailored for kids, this book introduces Sudoku puzzles in an accessible format, starting with simple grids and working up to more complex ones.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Numerical skills, logical thinking, concentration
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps build mathematical and logical skills in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy numbers and are new to Sudoku or looking to improve their skills.

• The Everything Kids' Puzzle Book by Jennifer A. Ericsson and Beth L. Blair
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, Activity Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This compilation includes puzzles ranging from word games to history puzzles, all designed to provide hours of entertainment and learning.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, historical knowledge, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It covers a wide range of topics and puzzle types, keeping things interesting and educational at the same time.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy a variety of puzzles and learning about different subjects through play.

Challenging Puzzle Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Labyrinth: Solve Your Way Through 14 Magical Mazes by Theo Guignard
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, Maze, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book features intricately designed mazes that take readers through enchanting and whimsical worlds, challenging them to find their way through complex paths and hidden secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The mazes are not only visually stunning but also complex, requiring advanced problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances spatial reasoning and planning skills, while the magical themes keep the puzzles engaging and fun.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who love a visual challenge and imaginative settings.

• Can You Solve My Problems? A Casebook of Ingenious, Perplexing and Totally Satisfying Puzzles by Alex Bellos
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, Math, Logic
  • Synopsis: This book compiles some of the greatest puzzles of all time, with problems ranging from ancient riddles to modern-day brain teasers, each accompanied by a story of its origin and a thoughtful solution.
  • Why this book is challenging: The puzzles require logical thinking, mathematical skills, and a creative approach to problem-solving.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a historical perspective on puzzles, enhancing both problem-solving skills and knowledge of puzzle history.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts who appreciate a mix of history, mathematics, and logic in their challenges.

• The Sherlock Holmes Puzzle Collection by Dr. John Watson, edited by Tim Dedopulos
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle, Crime
  • Synopsis: This collection presents puzzles that are inspired by the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, with challenges involving codes, logic problems, and lateral thinking puzzles that mimic the famous detective’s methods.
  • Why this book is challenging: The puzzles are designed to mimic Sherlock Holmes' sophisticated deductive reasoning abilities, requiring sharp logic and keen observation skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It immerses readers in the intriguing world of detective work, enhancing their analytical and deductive reasoning skills.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and fans of Sherlock Holmes who love unraveling complex mysteries.

• The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Book in the World, Book 1 by David Kalvitis
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: Unlike traditional dot-to-dot puzzles, this book offers a unique challenge with puzzles that form complex and detailed images when completed, using up to hundreds of dots, including some that require connecting in a specific order.
  • Why this book is challenging: The high dot count and the necessity to follow specific paths increase the complexity, testing patience and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a relaxing yet challenging activity that improves concentration and provides a sense of accomplishment upon revealing intricate images.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy detailed drawing and pattern recognition, and those who like a twist on traditional activities.

• Montague Island Mysteries and Other Logic Puzzles by R. Wayne Schmittberger
  • Genre(s): Logic, Puzzle, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This book offers a series of logic puzzles that are intertwined with the narrative of mysteries occurring on Montague Island. Readers solve the puzzles to help the characters uncover secrets and solve the mysteries.
  • Why this book is challenging: The puzzles require critical thinking and logical deduction, often involving complex clues that must be deciphered and correlated.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines story-driven mysteries with brain-teasing puzzles, enhancing reading comprehension and logical reasoning.
  • Perfect for: Young mystery lovers and budding detectives who enjoy piecing together clues and solving complex puzzles.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of puzzle books, you're in for a treat. Not only are they super fun, but they also sharpen your mind. To make the most out of your puzzle book adventures, here are some exercises that can help you develop excellent reading habits. These are perfect for 12-year-olds looking to boost their puzzle-solving skills!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how many pages or puzzles you want to solve each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and focused on a daily achievement.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a specific area in your home where you can read and solve puzzles without distractions.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit and comfortable, and keep all your puzzle books and supplies there.

• Discuss Puzzles with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the puzzles you solve with friends who are also into puzzle books.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and gives you different perspectives on solving puzzles.
  • Tips: Try solving a puzzle together or challenge each other with different puzzles.

• Use a Timer
  • What it is: Set a timer for a focused puzzle-solving session.
  • How it helps: Helps manage your time efficiently and trains you to focus under time constraints.
  • Tips: Start with short periods of focused time, like 15 minutes, and increase as you get more comfortable.

• Reflect on Completed Puzzles
  • What it is: Take a few minutes to think about the puzzle you just solved.
  • How it helps: Helps you understand what strategies worked and what didn’t.
  • Tips: Jot down a few notes after each puzzle, especially about tricky parts or successful strategies.

By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you'll not only get better at solving puzzles, but you'll also enhance your reading habits and cognitive skills. So, grab your puzzle book, pick a cozy corner, and start puzzling your way to better reading habits. Happy puzzling!